Research progress and potential of new enhanced oil recovery methods in oilfield development

This paper reviews the basic research means for oilfield development and also the researches and tests of enhanced oil recovery(EOR)methods for mature oilfields and continental shale oil development,analyzes the problems of EOR methods,and proposes the relevant research prospects.The basic research means for oilfield development include in-situ acquisition of formation rock/fluid samples and non-destructive testing.The EOR methods for conventional and shale oil development are classified as improved water flooding(e.g.nano-water flooding),chemical flooding(e.g.low-concentration middle-phase micro-emulsion flooding),gas flooding(e.g.micro/nano bubble flooding),thermal recovery(e.g.air injection thermal-aided miscible flooding),and multi-cluster uniform fracturing/water-free fracturing,which are discussed in this paper for their mechanisms,approaches,and key technique researches and field tests.These methods have been studied with remarkable progress,and some achieved ideal results in field tests.Nonetheless,some problems still exist,such as inadequate research on mechanisms,imperfect matching technologies,and incomplete industrial chains.It is proposed to further strengthen the basic researches and expand the field tests,thereby driving the formation,promotion and application of new technologies.

Oilfield analogy and productivity prediction based on machine learning: Field cases in PL oilfield, China

In the early time of oilfield development, insufficient production data and unclear understanding of oil production presented a challenge to reservoir engineers in devising effective development plans. To address this challenge, this study proposes a method using data mining technology to search for similar oil fields and predict well productivity. A query system of 135 analogy parameters is established based on geological and reservoir engineering research, and the weight values of these parameters are calculated using a data algorithm to establish an analogy system. The fuzzy matter-element algorithm is then used to calculate the similarity between oil fields, with fields having similarity greater than 70% identified as similar oil fields. Using similar oil fields as sample data, 8 important factors affecting well productivity are identified using the Pearson coefficient and mean decrease impurity(MDI) method. To establish productivity prediction models, linear regression(LR), random forest regression(RF), support vector regression(SVR), backpropagation(BP), extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost), and light gradient boosting machine(Light GBM) algorithms are used. Their performance is evaluated using the coefficient of determination(R^(2)), explained variance score(EV), mean squared error(MSE), and mean absolute error(MAE) metrics. The Light GBM model is selected to predict the productivity of 30 wells in the PL field with an average error of only 6.31%, which significantly improves the accuracy of the productivity prediction and meets the application requirements in the field. Finally, a software platform integrating data query,oil field analogy, productivity prediction, and knowledge base is established to identify patterns in massive reservoir development data and provide valuable technical references for new reservoir development.

Performance Evaluation of the Halophilic Crude Oildegrading Bacterial Consortium XH-1 for Oilfield Wastewater Treatment

A total of 14 halophilic hydrocarbon-degrading strains were isolated from crude oil-contaminated sites,using petroleum as the sole carbon and energy source.Among these,four highly efficient strains were selected to create the mixed bacterial agent XH-1.These four strains were identified through 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing as belonging to Acinetobacter,Bacillus paramycoides,Rhodococcus sp.,and Enterobacter sp.,respectively.The optimal cultivation time for the mixed consortium XH-1 was found to be 48 h,and a nitrogen-phosphorus molar ratio of 10:1 was determined to be beneficial for crude oil degradation.XH-1 showed notable crude oil degradation even at a salinity of up to 30 g/L,with little inhibition observed at sulfide concentrations as high as 150 mg/L and initial oil concentrations of 500 mg/L.Gas chromatography analysis revealed that XH-1 was able to efficiently degrade C9–C29 n-alkanes.Moreover,a bio-contact oxidation reactor enhanced by XH-1 showed promising results in treating oilfield wastewater.These findings suggest that XH-1 can be applied for the treatment of oilfield wastewater.

Screening and field application of microbial-flooding activator systems

This study aims to further enhance the oil recovery of reservoirs in the Zhong-2 Block of the Gudao Oilfield by identifying the most effective microbial-flooding activator systems and applying them in the field.We began by analyzing the structure of the reservoirs'endogenous microbial communities to understand the potential impact of microbial flooding.This was followed by determining commonly used activator systems based on their abilities to stimulate oil-displacement functional bacteria.Through laboratory experiments on oil displacement efficiency and sweep characteristics,we determined the optimal activator injection method(injection ratio)and the requisite bacterial concentration for maximal microbial-flooding efficacy.Finally,we selected the optimal activator systems and applied them to field tests.Our findings suggest the target block is highly receptive to microbial-flooding.In terms of performance,the activator systems ranked as No.3>No.4>No.1>No.2.Interestingly,a deep activator system,when compared to the top-performing No.3 system,exhibited a higher bacterial concentration peak and longer peaking duration.Optimal oil displacement effects were observed at a 1:4 vol ratio between the No.3 activator and deep activator systems,with bacterial concentrations of up to 106 cells/mL or above.Field tests with the selected activator systems,following a specific injection protocol,demonstrated a notable increase in oil production and a reduction in water cut.

Effect of CO_(2)flooding in an oil reservoir with strong bottom-water drive in the Tahe Oilfield,Tarim Basin,Northwest China

The dissolution and diffusion of CO_(2)in oil and water and its displacement mechanism were investigated by laboratory experiment and numerical simulation for Block 9 in the Tahe oilfield,a sandstone oil reservoir with strong bottom-water drive in Tarim Basin,Northwest China.Such parameters were analyzed as solubility ratio of CO_(2)in oil,gas and water,interfacial tension,in-situ oil viscosity distribution,remaining oil saturation distribution,and oil compositions.The results show that CO_(2)flooding could control water coning and increase oil production.In the early stage of the injection process,CO_(2)expanded vertically due to gravity differentiation,and extended laterally under the action of strong bottom water in the intermediate and late stages.The CO_(2)got enriched and extended at the oil-water interface,forming a high interfacial tension zone,which inhibited the coning of bottom water to some extent.A miscible region with low interfacial tension formed at the gas injection front,which reduced the in-situ oil viscosity by about 50%.The numerical simulation results show that enhanced oil recovery(EOR)is estimated at 5.72%and the oil exchange ratio of CO_(2)is 0.17 t/t.

Incised valley filling deposits:an important pathway system for long-distance hydrocarbon migration—a case study of the Fulaerji Oilfield in the Songliao Basin

In this paper, incised valley filling deposits, which formed an important pathway system for long-distance hydrocarbon migration, are discussed in detail based on core and logging data. The sequence SQy23 of the Cretaceous Yaojia Formation is the main hydrocarbon-bearing layer in the Fulaerji Oilfield. The hydrocarbon source of the oilfield is the Qijia-Gulong Sag which is about 80 km away from the Fulaerji Oilfield. The transport layer of long-distance hydrocarbon migration is the overlapped sandstone complex which fills the incised valley. The incised valley developed during the depositional period from the late Qingshankou Formation to the early Yaojia Formation of Cretaceous （SQqna-SQy0 was about 70 km long and 20 km wide, and extended in the NW-SE direction. The overlapped filling of the incised valley mainly occurred in the expanding system tract of the third-order sequence SQy23 （ESTy23）. Towards the basin, incised valley filling deposits overlapped on the delta developed in the early period, and towards the basin margin, incised valley filling deposits were covered by the shore-shallow lacustrine sandy beach bar developed in the maximum flooding period. All of the delta, the incised valley filling and the shore-shallow sandy beach bar are sandstone-rich, and have high porosity and permeability, and can form an effective hydrocarbon migration and accumulation system. Deltaic sand bodies collected and pumped hydrocarbon from the active source, incised valley filling depositional system completed the long-distance hydrocarbon migration, and lithological traps of shore-shallow lacustrine sandy beach bar accumulated hydrocarbon. The incised valley filling sequences are multi-cycle： an integrated shortterm filling cycle was developed on the erosion surface, and the sequences upward were mud-gravel stone, medium-fine sandstone containing terrigenous gravels and muddy pebbles with cross bedding, silty mudstone with ripple bedding, and mudstone. The incised valley filling deposits are characterized by a strong heterogeneity and the main hydrocarbon migration pathway is the medium-fine sandstone interval.

Distribution of the Ordovician Fluid in the Tahe Oilfield and Dynamic Response of Cave System S48 to Exploitation

The Tahe Oilfield is a complex petroleum reservoir of Ordovician carbonate formation and made up of spatially overlapping fracture-cavity units. The oilfield is controlled by a cave system resulting from structure-karst cyclic sedimentation. Due to significant heterogeneity of the reservoir, the distribution of oil and water is complicated. Horizontally, a fresh water zone due to meteoric water can be found in the north part of the Akekule uplift. A marginal freshening zone caused by water released from mudstone compaction is found at the bottom of the southern slope. Located in a crossformational flow discharge zone caused by centripetal and the centrifugal flows, the main part of the Tahe Oilfield, featuring high salinity and concentrations of CI^- and K^＋＋Na^＋, is favorable for accumulation of hydrocarbon. Three types of formation water in the Tahe Ordovician reservoir are identified： （1） residual water at the bottom of the cave after oil and gas displacement, （2） residual water in fractures/pores around the cave after oil and gas displacement, and （3） interlayer water below reservoirs. The cave system is the main reservoir space, which consists of the main cave, branch caves and depressions between caves. Taking Cave System S48 in the Ordovician reservoir as an example, the paper analyzes the fluid distribution and exploitation performance in the cave system. Owing to evaporation of groundwater during cross-formational flow, the central part of the main cave, where oil layers are thick and there is a high degree of displacement, is characterized by high salinity and Br^- concentration. With high potential and a long stable production period, most wells in the central part of the main cave have a long water-free oil production period. Even after water breakthrough, the water content has a slow or stepwise increase and the hydrochemistral characteristics of the produced water in the central part of the main cave are uniform. From the center to the edge of the main cave, displacement and enrichment of oil/gas become weaker, residual water increases, and the salinity and concentration of Br^- decrease. At the edge of the main cave, although the wells have a high deliverability at the beginning with a short stable production period and water-free production period. After water breakthrough, the pressure and deliverability drop quickly, and the water content rises quickly. The hydrochemistral characteristics of the produced water are relatively uniform. Wells in the branch caves have a relatively low deliverability at the beginning, with a short stable production period. Water breakthrough appears quickly and then the pressure and deliverability drop quickly. The salinity and concentrations of CI^-and K^＋＋Na^＋ are usually fluctuant or descend slowly in the produced water. Wells in low areas of ancient karst have a low deliverability and a short stable production period. The yield drops quickly and the water content is high, while the characteristics of the produced water may vary significantly well to well. The salinity and concentrations of CI^-and K^＋＋Na^＋ in the produced water are usually fluctuant with a precipitous decline.

Corrosion Behavior of Pipeline Steel in Oilfield Produced Water under Dynamic Corrosion System

In order to predict the corrosion trendency of X100 pipeline steel in flowing oilfield produced water,the effect of flow rate on the corrosion behavior of X100 pipeline steel was studied under general dynamic condition and simulated real working condition at the flow rate of 0.2,0.4,and 0.6 m·s^(-1).Potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the corrosion behavior of X100 steel.Energy dispersive spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze corrosion product composition and micromorphology.The experimental results show that the corrosion is more serious under simulated real working conditions than that under the general dynamic conditions.In any case the corrosion current density increases with the increase of the flow rate,and the total impedance value decreases.The corrosion products include Fe_(3)O_(4),Fe_(2)O_(3),and FeOOH.The mass transfer and electrochemistry were simulated by flow coupled in COMSOL software.The multiphysical field coupling simulation results are closer to the engineering practice than the single flow field simulation,and similar results from the experiments were obtained.Both experimental and simulation results reveal that the higher flow rate is,the more serious corrosion appear and the more corrosion products accumulate.By combining experimental and COMSOL simulation data,the corrosion process model of X100 steel was proposed.

Quantitative characterization of deep fault-karst carbonate reservoirs: A case study of the Yuejin block in the Tahe oilfield

The Ordovician reservoirs in the Tahe oilfield are dominated by fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs, of which fault-karst reservoirs are a hot topic in recent years. Fault-karst reservoirs feature high production, large burial depth, and strong heterogeneity under the control of faulting and karstification. Based on geological, logging, and seismic data, this study classified the Ordovician fault-karst reservoirs in the Yuejin block of the Tahe oilfield into three types, namely karst-cave, dissolved-vug, and fractured types, and established the integrated identification criteria of the three types of reservoirs. This study characterized karst caves, dissolved vugs, and multi-scale faults through seismic wave impedance inversion and frequency-domain detection of multi-scale faults. 3D geological models of different types of reservoirs were built using the combined deterministic and stochastic methods and characterized the spatial distribution of multi-scale faults, karst caves, dissolved vugs, and physical property parameters of reservoir. This study established the method for the geological modeling of fault-karst reservoirs, achieved the quantitative characterization and revealed the heterogeneity of fault-karst reservoirs. The karst-cave and dissolved-vug types are high in porosity and act as reservoirs, while the fractured type is high in permeability and act as flow pathway. This study lays the foundation for the development index prediction, well emplacement, and efficient development of the fault-karst carbonate reservoirs.

Modeling of the Bohai oilfield engineering geology demonstration information system based on digital seabed technology

In this paper, the framework and technologic process of engineering geology demonstration information system （EGDIS） of the Bohai oilfield are presented, and the key technologies for system modeling, such as storage and processing technology of multi-source and heterogeneous data, integrated display technology of multi-source information and multiple safeguard system design are studied. EGDIS of the Bohai oilfield is an integrated application system based on the data standardization and digital seabed database, has the function to realize the standardization/conformity, input/output, inquiry and display of the multi-source and heterogeneous data and graphics, and provides multiple comprehensive analysis and application services, which will provide shared and scientific basic data for the marine engineering construction and oilfield engineering safeguard.

Production evolution patterns and development stage division of waterflooding oilfields

The continuous growth of recoverable reserves in a waterflooding oilfield has a significant impact on the patterns of production evolution. A new production evolution model is established by improving the Weng Cycle model. With the new model, the statistical correspondence between the production decline stage and the reserve-production imbalance is clarified,and the correlation of water cut with the recovery percent of recoverable reserves is discussed, providing quantitative basis of reservoir engineering for dividing development stages of oilfield and defining mature oilfields. According to the statistics of oilfields in eastern China, the time point corresponding to the reserve-production balance coefficient dropping to less than 1dramatically is well correlated the beginning point of production decline, thus the time when the reserve-production balance coefficient drops dramatically can be taken as the initiation point of production decline stage. The research results show that the water cut and the recovery percent of recoverable reserves have a good statistical match in the high water cut stage, and it is more rational to take both the start point of production decline stage and the water cut of 90%(or the recovery percent of recoverable reserves of 80%) as the critical criteria for defining a mature oilfield. Five production evolution patterns can be summarized as follows: growth–peak plateau–stepped decline, growth–stepped stabilizing–stepped decline, growth–stepped stabilizing–rapid decline, growth–peak plateau–rapid decline, and growth–continuous decline.

Development technologies for Triassic Chang 7 shale oil in Ordos Basin: A case study of Qingcheng Oilfield, NW China

The reservoirs in the seventh member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation (Chang 7 Member) in the Qingcheng Oilfield of the Ordos Basin are characterized by thin sandbody, tight rocks, high heterogeneity, low formation pressure coefficient, and complex geomorphology. Through the efforts in the stages of exploration, appraisal, pilot testing and development, a series of key technologies have been formed, including “sweet spot” optimization, differentiated three-dimensional well deployment, fast drilling and completion of large-cluster horizontal well, intensively-staged volume fracturing in long horizontal well, and optimization of rational production system. Furthermore, a production organization mode represented by factory-like operations on loess platform has been implemented. Application of these technologies has enabled to significantly improve the single-well production of the Qingcheng Oilfield, reduce the investment cost, and realize a large-scale and beneficial development at a full cost below $55 per barrel. In 2022, the annual production of Chang 7 shale oil in the Ordos Basin reached 221×10^(4) t, accounting for 70% of the annual shale oil production of China. The practice of development technologies in the Qingcheng Oilfield provides valuable references for efficient development of continental shale oil.

Origin of gas condensate reservoir in Fuman Oilfield, Tarim Basin, NW China

To understand the reservoir property and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions of the Middle and Upper Ordovician intraplatform shoal between ultra-deep main strike-slip faults in Fuman Oilfield of the Tarim Basin, China, the main strike-slip faults in and around well FD1 in the basin were analyzed in terms of sedimentary facies, sequence stratigraphy, intraplatform shoal reservoir property, and oil and gas origins, based on drilling data. The Yingshan Formation intraplatform shoal between the main strike-slip faults is superimposed with low-order faults to form a new type of hydrocarbon play. Firstly, hydrocarbons generated from the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation source rocks vertically migrated into the second member of Yingshan Formation through the main strike-slip faults, and then migrated laterally until they were accumulated. A small amount of oil from Well FD1 came from the Yuertusi Formation source rocks in the mature stage, and a large amount of gas originated from oil cracking in the ultra-deep reservoirs. Therefore, the secondary gas condensate reservoir in Well FD1 is characterized by high gas to oil ratio, dry gas (dryness coefficient being 0.970) and hybrid origin. This new type of hydrocarbon play characterized by intraplatform shoal and low-order fault suggests a prospect of continuous hydrocarbon-bearing area in Fuman Oilfield, which will expand the ultrap-deep oil and gas exploration in the oilfield.

Design of Hybrid Compensators for Power Quality Improvement of Oilfield Drilling Electrical System

With large-scale use of kinds of motors, oilfield drilling electrical system always accompanied by serious power quality problem, including reactive current, harmonics current and grid voltage distortion, which would greatly threaten the safety and proper working of the whole system. This paper focuses on a power quality improvement project to solve these problems. A hybrid compensating scheme, including an active compensator and a passive compensator, is carried out. Because of the specificity of oilfield drilling electrical system, compensators are redesigned against features of this application background. And then the current detection point arrangement of this hybrid system is also taken into consideration to build the whole system much more effective and reliable. Now the improvement project is already implemented in application field, and the power quality of the system is greatly improved.

Evaluation of reservoir environment by chemical properties of reservoir water‒A case study of Chang 6 reservoir in Ansai oilfield,Ordos Basin,China

The Ordos Basin is the largest continental multi-energy mineral basin in China,which is rich in coal,oil and gas,and uranium resources.The exploitation of mineral resources is closely related to reservoir water.The chemical properties of reservoir water are very important for reservoir evaluation and are significant indicators of the sealing of reservoir oil and gas resources.Therefore,the caprock of the Chang 6 reservoir in the Yanchang Formation was evaluated.The authors tested and analyzed the chemical characteristics of water samples selected from 30 wells in the Chang 6 reservoir of Ansai Oilfield in the Ordos Basin.The results show that the Chang 6 reservoir water in Ansai Oilfield is dominated by calcium-chloride water type with a sodium chloride coefficient of generally less than 0.5.The chloride magnesium coefficients are between 33.7 and 925.5,most of which are greater than 200.The desulfurization coefficients range from 0.21 to 13.4,with an average of 2.227.The carbonate balance coefficients are mainly concentrated below 0.01,with an average of 0.008.The calcium and magnesium coefficients are between 0.08 and 0.003,with an average of 0.01.Combined with the characteristics of the four-corner layout of the reservoir water,the above results show that the graphics are basically consistent.The study indicates that the Chang 6 reservoir in Ansai Oilfield in the Ordos Basin is a favorable block for oil and gas storage with good sealing properties,great preservation conditions of oil and gas,and high pore connectivity.

The Solutions for Adjustment and Reconstruction of Water-Drive Surface Systems in the Old Areas of Daqing Oilfield

Introduction Owing to long-time running, more facilities including stations, pipelines, vessels have become corrosive and aged ,some process has grown old, it has exert more burden for the maintenance and repair.Simultaneously, the fluid production rate, oil production rate and water injection rate has changed greatly so that the inflicts and problems from the established surface systems will become more obvious. Energy cost of production and running has increasing continuously. Capacity has been unbalance in systems and areas.

Systematic improvement in Tong's B-type water drive method

Tong's B-type water drive method was proposed as early as the 1970s and has been widely applied in the dynamic prediction and effective evaluation of oilfield development.Through extensive applications and studies,many researchers found that the statistical constants in the formula of the Tong's B-type water drive method(also referred to as the Tong's B-type formula)are not applicable to multiple types of reservoirs,especially low-permeability ones,due to the limited range of reservoir types when the formula was conceived.Moreover,they put forward suggestions to improve the Tong's B-type formula,most of which focused on the research and calculation of the first constant in the formula.For oilfields in the development stages of high or ultra-high water cuts,it is widely accepted that different types of reservoirs have different limit water cuts.This understanding naturally makes it necessary to further modify the Tong's B-type formula.It is practically significant to establish the water drive formula and cross plot considering that the two constants in the formula vary with reservoir type.By analyzing the derivation process and conditions of the Tong's B-type formula,this study points out two key problems,i.e.,the two constants 7.5 and 1.69 in the formula are not applicable to all types of reservoir.Given this,this study establishes a function between key reservoir parameters and the first constant and another function between key reservoir parameters and recovery efficiency.Based on the established two functions and considering that different types of oil reservoir have different limit water cuts,this study develops an improved Tong's B-type formula and prepares the corresponding improved cross plot.The results of this study will improve the applicability and accuracy of Tong's B-type water drive method in predicting the trend of water cut increasing for different types of oil reservoirs.

Analysis of Reservoir Sensitivity and Optimization of Drilling Fluid System in Block H9 of Tarim Oilfield

针对塔里木油田H9区块钻井过程中存在的储层损害问题,采用黏土矿物分析、扫描电镜及压汞法等方法,分析掌握了目标区块储层地质特征,并结合储层敏感性试验评价,明确了储层潜在敏感性损害因素,揭示了储层损害机理。结果表明,H9区块储层黏土矿物含量为10%~20%,具有中高孔渗特征,非均质性较好,且存在潜在的强速敏和强水敏性损害。针对现场用钻井液体系存在的抑制性、润滑性及储层保护效果存在的不足,室内优化了一套综合性能优良的KCl-聚合醇储层保护钻井液体系。通过模拟储层动态损害试验评价可知,储层岩心渗透率恢复值可达85%以上。现场试验结果表明,KCl-聚合醇钻井液体系可较好地抑制泥页岩水化膨胀分散,有效避免了井眼缩径、起下钻遇阻等井下复杂情况发生,保障了钻井施工高效、安全,且储层保护效果良好。

塔河油田KZ区块白垩系成藏特征

KZ区块白垩系过路井补孔改层均表现出良好的生产能力,具备一定的开发潜力,但目前补孔改层措施潜力论证以单井测井资料为主,缺乏系统研究。通过对KZ区块白垩系开展构造描述、精细地层对比、储层展布特征及油气分布规律研究,结果表明:KZ区块白垩系主要发育断鼻圈闭,“反向”断层更容易形成断层遮挡油气藏,微幅度构造控制油气的富集,油气成藏模式为他源断控、垂向及侧向输导。

杏北油田掺水系统全流程能量优化方法的研究与应用

油田含水率的上升和产液规模的不断增大,导致集输能耗逐年增加,如何保持开发效益,降低集输能耗,成为高含水开发阶段面临的一大难题。随着节能工作不断深入,潜力已得到很大程度的挖掘,常规技术节能空间小,能耗管控压力大。因此开展能量系统优化技术研究,该方法转变原来区域优化的方式,统筹采油井、计量间、转油站、脱水站四个环节,通过确定末端能耗需求,逐级推导前端各环节能供给的方式,指导集输系统精细化、低能耗生产运行。杏北油田自2017年应用能量优化运行技术,由点及面逐步扩大规模,已实现水驱转油站全覆盖,截至目前累计节气5 621×10^(4)m^(3),节电3 275×10^(4)kWh,为油田集输系统降本增效提供了指导依据。